Hi all,

This is my first post. When I'm at a stop light my 06 HHR has like a power surge while ideling. The RPMs go from 5000 to 10000 and it feels like the car wants to die but it never has Thanks God. I brought it to the dealer and they told me they reset the computer but it still happens. Any ideas would br greatly appreciated.Also my HHR REALLY needs a moon/sun roof do any of you know of someone I could trust in norther IL by the WI border. THANKS in advance....

I am sure you meant to say 500 to 1000 rpm.:smile: There is some "lean surge" to be expected,but not to the extent you describe.Be sure to let us know what the dealer does.And by the way...:welcome: to the best HHR site you are likely to find.You will find friendly people here and a wealth of information.;)

Thank You !!!

Hi all,

This is my first post. When I'm at a stop light my 06 HHR has like a power surge while ideling. The RPMs go from 5000 to 10000 and it feels like the car wants to die but it never has Thanks God. I brought it to the dealer and they told me they reset the computer but it still happens. Any ideas would br greatly appreciated.Also my HHR REALLY needs a moon/sun roof do any of you know of someone I could trust in norther IL by the WI border. THANKS in advance....

Welcome to the site :thumb: Sorry cannt help you on the RPM problem, but for you sunroof, you could always ask who the dealers send them to. Most do not do that work themself they send it out.

pytn1...

Questions about your issue....

Is the A/C on?
If the blower and/or heater engaged?
Does it happen everytime you stop at a signal light?
Can you determine if it is related to alternator output (do you have test gauges)?

I think...IMO.....you should forget the aftermarket sun roof. I think you may run into continual problems. I also believe that aftermarket sunroofs were discussed in previous threads. Check in the Search function.

And, WELCOME to the chevyhhr.net !!!

Since you have been a member for awhile I will http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o132/pats50fan/smilies/welcome4.gif you to the posting part of the site!!! I agree with Snoopy on the aftermarket sunroofs. If you do get one make sure it is from someone very reputable.

Hi all,

This is my first post. When I'm at a stop light my 06 HHR has like a power surge while ideling. The RPMs go from 5000 to 10000 and it feels like the car wants to die but it never has Thanks God. I brought it to the dealer and they told me they reset the computer but it still happens. Any ideas would br greatly appreciated.Also my HHR REALLY needs a moon/sun roof do any of you know of someone I could trust in norther IL by the WI border. THANKS in advance....

I had this happen a few times in one of my other cars years ago. Figured it was bad gas (water maybe) since it eventually went away after a refill.

5000 to 10000 rpm at idle? Redline's at 6500. Might want to get that checked out.

Anyway, aftermarket sunroofs are a great idea if you like destroying what little residual value is left in the vehicle. In order to install most units, the rails in the roof structure must be cut and modified. This has the same effect as cutting and re-welding the frame of the car. In an accident, it's a lethal mistake. On resale, the car is worthless on wholesale. Cars with a factory moonroof have specially constructed roof structures to preserve the integrity of the roof and unibody and ensure that there are no leaks.

I've noticed a "drop" in power while sitting at lights. Most noticable at night when the headlights dim a bit. But nothing reflected on the rpms though.

I have the same trouble with idle at a stop light. I even notice that my RPM gauge moves. I feel a surge than it sounds like it a drop. I will contact the service department and get it in next week.

Thanks to all that have replied. It is nice to know I have people out there to talk to and ask questions about our HHR's. Please let me know what the dealer tells you so I can tell them what I need done.

I know this is an OLD thread, but the surge problem is new to me! We have a '06 LS with auto trans. When the A/C is on, the engine surges a bit when we stop. The Tach goes from around 850 rpm down to 500 rpm momentarily, and you can hear it as well. It does this 3 or 4 times until it levels off back around 850 within 30 seconds or so. It doesn't do this when the A/C is off. Anyone have any thoughts about what the problem might be?

I know this is an OLD thread, but the surge problem is new to me! We have a '06 LS with auto trans. When the A/C is on, the engine surges a bit when we stop. The Tach goes from around 850 rpm down to 500 rpm momentarily, and you can hear it as well. It does this 3 or 4 times until it levels off back around 850 within 30 seconds or so. It doesn't do this when the A/C is off. Anyone have any thoughts about what the problem might be?


It takes HP to run the AC compressor. Most cars are set to pick up in RPM when the clutch engages on the AC compressor. This prevent stall or the loss of power driving down the road.

It is normal sitting in part to pick up in RPM when the clutch on the AC kicks in.

You may have not noticed it but most all cars do this buy using a little more fuel to make up for the load placed on the engine. It takes a lot to turn the compressor when the system us under pressure when the compressor is running.

Also many car will kick off the clutch on the AC at wide open throttle. This results in the AC blowing warm air. They kick the clutch out to give you extra HP at WOT. You may have to hold it open for 15 sec at wot before you notice. it.

I know this is an OLD thread, but the surge problem is new to me! We have a '06 LS with auto trans. When the A/C is on, the engine surges a bit when we stop. The Tach goes from around 850 rpm down to 500 rpm momentarily, and you can hear it as well. It does this 3 or 4 times until it levels off back around 850 within 30 seconds or so. It doesn't do this when the A/C is off. Anyone have any thoughts about what the problem might be?

:roll: Turns out the problem was some carbon buildup in the throttle body.
Took it to the dealer and they took care of the problem for 60 Bucks. Only has about 21,000 miles on it so I was surprised that it was carboned up so soon.
Probably because 95% of our driving is just short trips around town for
almost 5 Years now.:confused: